Vodafone executives meet DoT Secretary

Even as Vodafone prepares to bid for Hutchison Essar, its top executives today met DS Mathur, secretary, department of telecom. The meeting is believed to have been set up by the British High Commission.

The Vodafone team, which included Matthew Kirk, director (external relationships), and Neil Gough, director (international relations), reaffirmed the company's seriousness about investing in the telecom sector and complying with regulations in its bid to buy out Hutchison's stake in Hutchison Essar.

The meeting assumes significance as Vodafone has a 10 per cent stake in Bharti Airtel and is looking for greater play in the Indian market, which is not possible through its existing partners.

Some news channels also said that Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin might visit India to discuss the buyout of Hutchison's stake in Hutchison-Essar.

Meanwhile, the Hindujas are putting together resources to bid for the Hutchison stake.

Group Chief Financial Officer Prabal Banerjee said, "Many global bankers have called us up and assured their support. We also have huge resources."